Wind Leave｜Far East Design Lab.
-Episode
The site is located on a hillside plateau offering expansive views of both the sea and the mountains, positioned on a southwest-facing slope that enjoys ample sunlight and a relatively mild winter climate. The client, who previously commuted daily to an office in central Tokyo, began working remotely from home more frequently, reducing their commuting days. This shift inspired the conception of a dual-residence lifestyle between their home and this new location.
The client’s requirements were distilled into the following key points:
1. Enhanced work environment
- A dedicated study space designed to optimize concentration and equipped with state-of-the-art remote work facilities.
- A unique space where colleagues can gather for meetings and collaborative sessions, capitalizing on the distinctive qualities of this location.
2. A retreat not solely for work but also for family and friends
- Flexible spaces adaptable for diverse purposes and extended stays.
3. Integration with natural surroundings and recreational activities
- A base for pursuing hobbies such as cycling and golf, as well as enjoying the nearby sea and mountains.
4. Balance between everyday life and extraordinary experiences
- Convenience to maintain daily routines while evoking a sense of resort-like escapism.
- A building harmoniously nestled within the landscape to maximize relaxation through close affinity with nature and scenic vistas.
Amidst evolving work styles and lifestyles, the project sought to create an ideal multi-base living environment — not merely a workplace or vacation home, but a "new hub" seamlessly connecting work and leisure, the ordinary and the extraordinary. This hub would invigorate and enrich all facets of life, including activities at home and the office.
-Planning
The architecture employs natural materials such as wood and finishes with authentic textures to blend with the surrounding landscape. On the slope beneath the site, locally quarried Komatsu stone is used for retaining walls, interspersed with various plants to craft an integrated landscape that unites architecture and nature. The roof, extending mid-slope toward the sky like a breeze unfurling, aims to meld effortlessly into the environment without imposing.
The site affords panoramic views encompassing both sea and mountain vistas. However, the design deliberately modulates these views according to each room’s function—for instance, creating focused, contemplative spaces like the study, or private, secure environments like bedrooms—by carefully controlling window placement and framing.
The second-floor living, dining, and kitchen areas, along with the terrace, offer expansive outlooks where the sea, peninsula, and mountain ridges converge, evoking a sensation of floating within the panorama. From the study, the layered views extend beyond nearby gardens and stones to distant scenery, fostering a tranquil atmosphere conducive to deep concentration and reflection.
The sequence of spatial experiences within the building orchestrates a sense of depth and openness, allowing occupants to fully immerse themselves in the surrounding landscape while savoring a leisurely flow of time.
